Governor Whitmer Reflects on Pandemic Regulations

On a recent episode of “Financial Audit,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the COVID-19 regulations implemented in her state, which she described as largely unnecessary.

During the height of the pandemic, Whitmer imposed some of the strictest lockdown measures. Host Caleb Hammer recalled how frustrating it was to return to Michigan for the holidays, having to eat “outside in a pod” while the government based its decisions on questionable information.

“Honestly, I was a little frustrated when I went home for Christmas two years in a row,” Hammer remarked, noting the awkwardness of dining outside in cold weather.

Whitmer responded, acknowledging that indoors, people were often close to each other. However, Hammer questioned the logic, asking why outdoor dining was allowed if indoor gatherings were prohibited.

“Because you were indoors and outdoors with just small groups,” Whitmer explained. Hammer pushed back, pointing out that they also interacted with the waitstaff, which raised further concerns about safety.

Whitmer asserted that no one wanted to relive the past, stating, “We were doing the best we could with little to very bad information.” Hammer accepted her response but reiterated his frustration over the restrictions.

In May 2021, Whitmer issued an apology after it came to light that she and her guests had dined indoors without masks at a local bar, violating her own regulations. This incident occurred just after she had mandated that tables could only host six people.

Following the backlash, her administration rolled back some of these regulations. Critics accused her of having a heavy-handed approach during the pandemic, leading to the closure of numerous businesses and restaurants in Michigan.

Additionally, Whitmer faced scrutiny for her personal actions during the crisis, including an attempt by her husband to receive special treatment to dock their boat over Memorial Day and her trip to Florida in March 2020, shortly before urging others to avoid such travel.

She also attended President Biden’s inauguration in January 2021, seemingly ignoring her own public health guidelines at the time. Earlier in the pandemic, she had issued orders designating certain home improvement and gardening supplies as “non-essential.”